Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface has been slapped with a one-game suspension and a significant fine after being found guilty of unsportsmanlike behavior during his team’s Super Cup victory over VfB Stuttgart at the Bay Arena on Saturday.
The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed the punishment on Wednesday after conducting an investigation into an incident that occurred immediately following the final whistle of the match.
Boniface, who has been a rising star in the German topflight, was charged with “blatantly anti-sporting conduct” after allegedly making an obscene gesture—raising his middle finger—towards Stuttgart players during post-match celebrations.
DFB’s ruling on Victor Boniface’s post-match conduct
The DFB sports court has banned the 23-year-old Nigerian from participating in one DFB Pokal match and imposed a hefty fine of €25,000 (approximately ₦43.8 million).
The decision followed accusations from Stuttgart players, although referee Tobias Stieler, who officiated the game, did not witness the incident, and there was no TV footage to corroborate the claims.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen have accepted the ruling, making the suspension and fine legally binding.
The incident has cast a shadow over Victor Boniface’s burgeoning career in Germany. Last season, he earned the prestigious Rookie of the Year title after an outstanding debut campaign that was instrumental in Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga triumph.
While the Super Cup match was meant to be a celebration for Leverkusen, Boniface's actions have sparked controversy and debate within the football community.
